Key in door won't turn

[bcgreen]

If I put the key in the lock, it won't turn left or right. I never use the key to unlock the vehicle so what might be the problem?
Thanks

 

[ahhjaws]

Try turning it over, sometimes there are slight differences b/w the two sides. And also try the passenger door to see if that works.

 

[X~FACTOR]

It might have rusted overtime. Use wd-40. You should be fine.

 

[wired_af]

wd-40 worked for me when i had that problem

 

[bcgreen]

Key works fine on the other side. Key slides in and out like brand new, its a '96, so I know WD 40 is not the answer.

 

[canada74]

i have the same problem with my '96, driver door side. feels liek something is "blocking" it from turning, but usually in colder weather so i might try some LPS

 

[wired_af]

the reason it doesnt work in cold weather is because the grease ford puts in the lock freezes up when its cold...thats what a locksmith told me

 

[Mbrooks420]

Wd 40 is your answer. At least it was in my 1996.

 

[Glacier991]

Happened to me once. Late at night. Same color and year as mine, a few beers and a strange parking lot. <grin>. Damn near broke the key!

Happy Exploring

Chris

 

[Telford Weister]

Check the cut pattern on your key. See if it has one or two small high spots. Mine has one, and after a fairly short time, one side's high spot will shave off just a little from sliding into the lock itself. When it does, my key will only work in the driver's door and ignition, not the passenger side door or back hatch. If yours seems to have this problem, get a new key made using the good side of your key for BOTH side cuts. Better yet, get a couple extras made and save the best one as a "master" key, only to be used for making new copies, NOT opening the doors. I hope this helps.

 

[Doug]

I had the same problem on my 97 and wd40 would work for like a week but it never lasted. if you want to do it right you have to get graphite grease meant for door locks, i think they sell it @ walmart.

 

[RobertF]

First off ford locks only have the pins on one of the lock, just like your house lock, the double cut just lets you pop it in either way. If you uses your locks a lot, especially only the driver door your key will eventually only open that door as the wear on your key and the pin inside the lock will match but the other ones will be off.

You guys mention WD40 please for the sake of your X's locks dont' ever put that inside them especially if you offroad. WD40 attracts dirt like flies on ****. That dirt will way more harm then good. If it's seized spray some LPS-1 inside it. It does the same work of WD40 but it's greaseless so it doesn't attract all the dirt. Once the LPS dries shoot some graphite inside it, just a small amount will do. A lot of it will only give you a black key and dirty pockets

 

[silver96]

Man I had the exact same problem yesterday. I left it running with my dog in the car at sears and when I came out I couldn't get the stupid key to turn. I just got the X, so I thought there might be a special way, or something it didn't know about. Luckily the pass side turned with a little persuasion.